ISWAP Targeting Military Bases for Payments, Report Reveals

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refrained from commenting on a report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) which states that the Islamic State is incentivizing the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to attack military bases in North East Nigeria. The report claims that ISWAP pays its fighters based on the military equipment they capture during these attacks, with specific values assigned to items such as AK-47s (US$750), rocket-propelled grenades (US$1,000), and pickups fitted with heavy weapons (US$30,000).

Major General Samaila Uba, the Director Defence Information, requested time to review the report but did not respond to subsequent inquiries. The report highlights ISWAP's strategy of raiding military bases to gather weapons and reduce reliance on arms smugglers, establishing a financial incentive system that attracts fighters.

This system is distinct from rival groups, as ISWAP prohibits robbery of civilians and regulates weapon possession among its members. The findings illustrate how financial motivations underpin ISWAP's operational tactics.